‘When We Served’ puts artifacts and documents on display at Leonia library

By Raeshelle Middleton

CORRESPONDENT |

Leonia Life

LEONIA — Residents got a glimpse into the past as the Leonia Public Library hosted "When We Served," an exhibit displaying the legacy of military service members who were residents of the borough.

Photos from an American airman's journey through China after his plane crash-landed and he received the help of Chinese guerillas to get back to an American base camp on display at the Leonia Library for the 'When We Served' exhibit, which was on display until May 30.A map highlighting the route taken by the American airman's journey through the jungle, with the help of Chinese guerillas.

The exhibit showcased Leonians who served throughout the years, including in the Boxer Rebellion and the United States occupation of Veracruz.

"Everything here is Leonia," said Harriet Burdock of the Leonia Public Library. "I talked about these two wars because a lot of us don't know about the Boxer Rebellion and Veracruz. They were small scrimmages that lasted one year."

Historical military artifacts were on display, including a ceremonial sword presented to John McCloy of the United States Navy. McCloy was one of a few people who received the Congressional Medal of Honor twice, once for service in the Boxer Rebellion, another at Veracruz.

A black marble memorial stands dedicated to McCloy in Sylvan Park, which was unveiled in 2009 by the members of the Leonia American Legion A1 Post. He is known to be one of the Legion post's founding members.

The showcase included various photos, titles and names of the residents who served in the military during the conflicts, as well as details from the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.

Eugene Burdock, a 50-year resident of Leonia, served in World War II as an intelligence lieutenant. During his service, he lead a division behind enemy lines to gather intelligence on industrial and scientifically significant targets.

"That's my dad by the way," said Burdock, adding as an intelligence officer, he spoke French and German.

Leonian Enrico Carnicelli was a Technical Sergeant for the United States Air Corps. During a photographic mission in northern China, he and his crew were forced to eject from their airplane after they experienced unexpected mechanical problems.

"One propeller came off and sliced off another propeller and they all bailed out into the jungle," said Burdock.

One of the engines in the plane was on fire while the other had been destroyed. As the crew made it to land, Chinese guerillas guided them for one thousand miles back to their lines.

"They all survived and the Chinese guerillas helped them go a thousand miles walking in the boroughs and they came down with lice and all kinds of diseases," she said. "The Chinese captured a Japanese camera and there was film so they took photographs. We have a booklet on this which is really interesting to see."

The exhibit also included others such as Leonia High School alumni Major George Boyd, who joined the Air Force enrolling in the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to train as a pilot. After training, he became an officer at the Leonia Police Department, but returned to the military shortly after. He retired in Wichita, Kansas.

Ida DeWitt was also recognized for her service as a volunteer nurse in France with the American Red Cross. Ida also has a plaque designated for her memoriam at the Leonia Presbyterian Church.

‘When We Served’ puts artifacts and documents on display at Leonia library

Photos from an American airman's journey through China after his plane crash-landed and he received the help of Chinese guerillas to get back to an American base camp on display at the Leonia Library for the 'When We Served' exhibit, which was on display until May 30.A map highlighting the route taken by the American airman's journey through the jungle, with the help of Chinese guerillas.

By Raeshelle Middleton

CORRESPONDENT |

Leonia Life

LEONIA — Residents got a glimpse into the past as the Leonia Public Library hosted "When We Served," an exhibit displaying the legacy of military service members who were residents of the borough.

The exhibit showcased Leonians who served throughout the years, including in the Boxer Rebellion and the United States occupation of Veracruz.

"Everything here is Leonia," said Harriet Burdock of the Leonia Public Library. "I talked about these two wars because a lot of us don't know about the Boxer Rebellion and Veracruz. They were small scrimmages that lasted one year."

Historical military artifacts were on display, including a ceremonial sword presented to John McCloy of the United States Navy. McCloy was one of a few people who received the Congressional Medal of Honor twice, once for service in the Boxer Rebellion, another at Veracruz.

A black marble memorial stands dedicated to McCloy in Sylvan Park, which was unveiled in 2009 by the members of the Leonia American Legion A1 Post. He is known to be one of the Legion post's founding members.

The showcase included various photos, titles and names of the residents who served in the military during the conflicts, as well as details from the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.

Eugene Burdock, a 50-year resident of Leonia, served in World War II as an intelligence lieutenant. During his service, he lead a division behind enemy lines to gather intelligence on industrial and scientifically significant targets.

"That's my dad by the way," said Burdock, adding as an intelligence officer, he spoke French and German.

Leonian Enrico Carnicelli was a Technical Sergeant for the United States Air Corps. During a photographic mission in northern China, he and his crew were forced to eject from their airplane after they experienced unexpected mechanical problems.

"One propeller came off and sliced off another propeller and they all bailed out into the jungle," said Burdock.

One of the engines in the plane was on fire while the other had been destroyed. As the crew made it to land, Chinese guerillas guided them for one thousand miles back to their lines.

"They all survived and the Chinese guerillas helped them go a thousand miles walking in the boroughs and they came down with lice and all kinds of diseases," she said. "The Chinese captured a Japanese camera and there was film so they took photographs. We have a booklet on this which is really interesting to see."

The exhibit also included others such as Leonia High School alumni Major George Boyd, who joined the Air Force enrolling in the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to train as a pilot. After training, he became an officer at the Leonia Police Department, but returned to the military shortly after. He retired in Wichita, Kansas.

Ida DeWitt was also recognized for her service as a volunteer nurse in France with the American Red Cross. Ida also has a plaque designated for her memoriam at the Leonia Presbyterian Church.